King Manasseh

Judean king with the longest and most idolatrous reign.

Background

Manasseh, who was the son of the good king Hezekiah, was remembered as the most wicked king of Judah. His long reign (687-642 B.C.) was peaceful and prosperous, but Manasseh made himself a servant of Assyria. To appease Assyria, he built pagan shrines in Judah and encouraged Baal worship. Manasseh also indulged in astrology, magic, and human sacrifice.